Wednesday, November 26, 2008

MISTAKES BITE BRUINS

The Bruins did something they haven't done in over a month: lose in regulation. Surprisingly, it came against a Buffalo Sabre team that had lost 5 straight.

A sloppy first period of play allowed Buffalo to take a 2-0 lead. Their first goal came thanks to a David Krejci giveaway right in front of the net. Derek Roy slipped away with the puck and snuck it into the net. In all honesty, I can't remember the last time Krejci gave up possession like that. I don't think it's ever happened.

The Bruins got on the board thanks to rookie defenseman Matt Hunwick, who's replaced the injured Andrew Ference, and done a brilliant job. He's scored a point in 5 straight games, with 3 goals, and 3 assists in that stretch. Not too shabby from the blue-line. Although this latest goal came from crashing the net.

But 0:30 later, the Sabres reclaimed their 2 goal lead. Shorthanded, Germany's Jochen Hecht made a move on Chara, got past him, and flew up the ice. For some reason, Patrice Bergeron gave him room and played the middle of the ice as if it were a 2-on-1 breakaway. It wasn't. It was 1-on-1, with Chara rushing in for support. Thomas probably should have saved the wrist shot, but it got by his glove and into the net.

Phil Kessel made the last 10 minutes interesting, but the Bruins couldn't tie it up.